The National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM) has unveiled the NUTEL App — a unique telecommunications identification tool — at the 61st edition of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM), presenting it as a solution to streamline subscriber data updates and strengthen digital security across the country’s telecoms ecosystem.
The application was presented by Reinaldo Zezela of INCM, who explained that the initiative forms part of the regulator’s broader efforts to improve the registration and identification of telecommunications service users. The new solution is embedded within a digitalisation process designed to replace manual procedures with automated mechanisms for data collection and validation.
According to Zezela, the process now incorporates real-time photograph validation through a so-called proof-of-life feature, aimed at reducing fraud and ensuring that registered data accurately corresponds to the actual account holder.
The INCM also flagged a separate but related challenge: approximately 25% of devices operating on mobile networks in Mozambique are considered counterfeit.
The NUTEL App presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring representatives from the country’s three principal mobile operators — Tmcel, Vodacom, and Movitel — who addressed the difficulties associated with verifying the true holders of registered telephone numbers.
Francisco Saiete of Tmcel identified identity fraud as one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. He noted that it is common practice for a person to register a number in their own name and subsequently transfer it to another individual for use.
Saiete called for strengthened public awareness campaigns to explain to citizens the importance of registering only the numbers they actually use and of protecting their identities within the digital ecosystem.
João Matias of Vodacom raised similar concerns, citing instances in which multiple SIM cards remain registered under a single individual’s name — a person who is often unknown to the actual user of the number.
Matias argued that the industry must intensify consumer education, making clear why the use of SIM cards registered in third parties’ names poses a risk. He also called for expanded outreach campaigns, particularly in light of the introduction of new digital registration channels.
Lizeth Massalambane of Movitel noted that technology already enables operators to offer multiple subscriber registration channels. She explained that documents submitted by users are validated by the operator before being forwarded to INCM. In her view, the primary challenge lies in the accuracy of the information provided by users themselves.
Massalambane advocated for enhanced digital literacy and greater awareness of the risks associated with using numbers registered under third-party names.
The new application forms part of a broader INCM strategy to make subscriber data more reliable and to enable various institutions to verify user identities through a secure central database in the future.
According to Zezela, the expectation is that insurance companies and other organisations will eventually be able to query the database to confirm a subscriber’s identity, thereby reinforcing trust in digital transactions and services.
Held under the theme ‘Digital and Energy Transformation Towards a Sustainable Economy’, the 61st edition of FACIM brings together companies, investors, institutions, and partners from multiple sectors, serving as a platform to promote investment opportunities, trade, and cooperation between domestic and international businesses.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/01/trends/telecom/facim-2026-incm-lanca-app-para-tornar-registos-de-subscritores-mais-seguros/
